[TheForge] metal spinning

[John Husvar]

On 2/26/08 4:02 PM, "Jerry Frost" <akfrosty at mtaonline.net> wrote:

> 
> This is the moment of truth, if you're too far off
> center centrifugal force will rip the blank out of the
> lathe and because you're holding it between thumb and
> remaining finger that's where it'll hit first and
> proceed up your arm like a jagged meat slicer.
> 
> If you've eyed it well enough friction between the
> tailstock and die will hold the blank in place long
> enough for you to center it with the centering stick.
> You apply gentle pressure with the stick on the edge of
> the spinning blank while simultaneously allowing a
> LITTLE slippage from the tailstock. Sometimes a
> beginner will lose control of the blank during this
> process but hands or the remains there of shouldn't be
> in the way so blood is rarely shed at this stage.
> 
> I was really good at stopping bleeding by time I was 9,
> major bleeding at that.
> 

I'll bet! 

So, why use such a dangerous procedure?
 
Since I know nothing of metal spinning, I'm asking, not criticizing.

Most shop procedure books and teachers and working machinists say never get
your hands, or any of the attached parts, anywhere near a turning chuck,
die, workpiece, etc.

Kinda seems self-defeating: By the time the workers attain expertise, they
might well be too damaged to actually do anything. And, God help you with
the Workmen's Comp people! :)